Choosing the best oral products for children can be daunting. It’s crucial to pick the right toothbrush size and a nourishing, cleansing toothpaste for good oral health.
Why brush primary teeth?
People often underestimate the importance of healthy primary (baby) teeth. These teeth help with speech, chewing, and jaw development. They also guide permanent adult teeth into proper alignment. Brushing primary teeth prevents bad breath and decay. It also removes plaque bacteria linked to childhood gum disease.
What differences are there among Children’s Toothpaste brands?
Most children’s toothpaste contain similar ingredients. These include abrasives to remove stains, soaps to eliminate plaque, and fluoride to strengthen enamel. They also have flavoring for taste.
The main differences between brands are paste thickness, fluoride content, and flavor type. Fluoride strengthens enamel and fights plaque bacteria. However, too much can harm young teeth, causing dental fluorosis. Children aged one to four are most at risk, so monitor fluoride levels carefully.
Be cautious of adult and non-ADA approved toothpastes. They often contain harsh abrasives that can damage primary teeth. Some popular brands also use sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which may cause mouth ulcers in some children.
So which toothpaste brand should I choose?
The most important considerations to make before implementing an oral care plan and choosing a children’s toothpaste brand is the age of the child. Home oral care should begin before the emergence of the first tooth. A cool clean cloth should be gently rubbed along the gums after feeding to remove food particles and bacteria.
Prior to the age of two, the child will have many teeth and brushing should begin. Initially, select fluoride-free “baby” toothpaste and softly brush the teeth twice per day. Flavoring is largely unimportant, so the child can play an integral role in choosing whatever type of toothpaste tastes most pleasant.
Between the middle and the end of the third year, select an American Dental Association (ADA) accepted brand of toothpaste containing fluoride. The ADA logo is clear and present on toothpaste packaging, so be sure to check for it. Use only a tiny pea or rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, and encourage the child to spit out the excess after brushing. Eliminating the toothpaste takes practice, patience, and motivation – especially if the child finds the flavoring tasty. If the child does ingest tiny amounts of toothpaste, don’t worry; this is perfectly normal and will cease with time and encouragement.
Dental fluorosis is not a risk factor for children over the age of eight, but an ADA accepted toothpaste is always the recommended choice for children of any age. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook!
If you have questions or concerns about choosing an appropriate brand of toothpaste for your child, your pediatric dentist will be happy to make recommendations.
